Victor Davis Hanson on Trump's First 100 Days: A Counter-Revolutionary Success

Trump's First 100 Days: A Revolutionary Start

• 🚀 Donald Trump's first 100 days are described as revolutionary, with a magnitude of changes unseen even during the Reagan or FDR administrations.
• 📈 Despite media hostility, polls indicate wide public approval, with Trump holding the confidence of the majority of the American people.
• ⚠️ The success of this counter-revolution in the initial 100 days was unexpected by many.

Immigration and Border Security

• 🔒 The Trump administration has secured the border, reversing the previous influx of people and addressing the challenge of those already admitted.
• 🚫 Comprehensive immigration reform was not pursued; instead, the focus was on immediate border control.

Energy and Economic Policies

• ⛽ Green New Deal initiatives and electric vehicle mandates have been abandoned, with a focus on traditional energy sources like coal and oil.
• 💸 Policies include leasing new oil fields, shipping liquid natural gas to Europe, and continuing fracking, leading to a significant drop in oil prices.
• 📈 The strategic petroleum reserve is not being drained and may soon be refilled.

DEI and Supreme Court Influence

• ⚖️ Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) initiatives have been purged from government and corporations, citing a violation of recent Supreme Court rulings against racial discrimination in admissions.
• 💡 The argument is made that judging individuals by skin color contradicts the principle of judging by the content of their character.

Trade and International Relations

• 🌍 Trump has shifted from free trade to fair trade, imposing sanctions on China and encouraging other nations to renegotiate trade deals to reduce deficits.
• 🤝 This strategy aims to compel nations like China to negotiate by isolating them and creating a sense of urgency.

Global Strategy: Middle East and China

• 💥 In the Middle East, Iran is under pressure to dismantle its nuclear facilities, with a focus on preventing an optional war and ensuring Red Sea navigation.
• 🇨🇳 China faces pressure regarding fraudulent companies on US stock markets and the potential return of Chinese students, creating leverage for a potential deal.
• 🗣️ Despite perceptions, Trump is portrayed as tough on Russia and not a puppet, actively seeking to de-escalate conflicts and negotiate from a position of strength.